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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - December 17, 2001 - CC1CITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2001 - 6:30 P.M. The City Council of the City of Azusa met in regular session at the above date and time in the Azusa Auditorium. It was consensus of Council to recess to Closed Session in the Office of the City Manager, to Closed Session discuss the following: CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Gov. Code Sec. 54956.8). Property Address: 619-621 N. Azusa Avenue, Azusa. Negotiators: Director of Economic Development Andrews, Assistant Director of Economic Development Amador and City Manager Cole. Under Negotiation: Terms for Negotiation. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9 1c*L One Case - Amicus Brief Support in Bonanno v. Central Contra Costa Transit Authority. 54957. Head Start Director. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - TORT CLAIM (Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9 (a)). Claimant: Raul Carreon, Sr. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - CLAIM (Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9 (a)). Claimant: Westin Spires. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - LIABILITY CLAIMS (Gov. Code Sec. 54956.95). Vulcan Materials Co. - Cemex. City Attorney Carvalho advised that in Closed Session action was taken to approve the joining CityAttorney of an Amicus Brief Support in the above noted case and that Council also voted to approve advised both claims noted above, no further action was taken. Mayor Madrid called the meeting to order and led in the Salute to the Flag. INVOCATION was given by Pastor Logan Westbrooks of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ MOLL CALL RESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALSO PRESENT: HARDISON, STANFORD, ROCHA, MADRID CHAGNON City Attorney Carvalho, City Manager Cole, Assistant City Manager Person, Chief of Police Davis, Utilities Director Hsu, Assistant Director of Utilities Kalscheuer, Assistant Director Water Anderson, Library Director Albert Tovar, Planning Secretary Rocha, Senior Programs Manager Crawford, City Treasurer Macias, Director Recreation and Parks Jacobs, Deputy City Clerk Toscano, City Clerk Mendoza. Call to Order Invocation Roll Call Also Present CEREMONIAL Ceremonial Police Officer Terry Henson, and Police Officer Anthony Ventura, Representatives of the Azusa APOA donated Police Officers Association, presented a check for $500 to go towards the Azusa Skate Park $500 to Skate Project. Park Senior Center Manager Crawford, on behalf of the City Council, presented a Certificate of CAHF donated Appreciation to Luis Pages, Chapter President of the Pasadena San Gabriel Valley Health Care $2,000 to Association, a division of the California Association of Health Care Facilities, CAHF, for their Azusa Senior support of the Valley Senior Centers by giving each one $2,000. Ms. Crawford advised that Center the money will go toward case management and equipment for home delivered meals. Mr. Pages acknowledged Sharon Curtz, Chair for the fund raising committee, who was in the audience. REPORTS, UPDATES COUNCIL BUSINESS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS -STAFF Announcement: Brian Patrick Mayor Madrid announced that Mayor Pro -Tem Chagnon gave birth to a baby boy, Brian Patrick, Chagnon born on Friday, December 14, 2001. 12/14/01 City Manager Cole addressed Council and audience expressing outrage regarding the recent arson attacks on three African-American families in Azusa. He noted that the leaders representing the entire community are uniting to address these terrorism attacks. He stated that interviews for the new Human Relations Commission are being conducted with recommendation for appointments to be at the next Council meeting. He stated that on Saturday, a march and rally was held by the Victory Outreach Ministry which drew more than 100 members of that church and many city officials. On Friday, the City is supporting a candlelight vigil organized by the County Human Relations Mutual Assistance Counsel, which the City is a member. The City is planning a community -wide effort for an event on Martin Luther King's birthday on January 21" 2002. The following are excepts of comments made by leaders of the community: Chief of Police Davis expressed sorrow and outrage by the entire police department and detailed the events that took place on the night of Wednesday, December 5'h, where home- made firebombs (or "Molotov cocktails") were thrown at the homes of three families as they slept. He asked the people to "unite in order to solve these horrific crimes". City Mgr Cole Response to Arson Attacks in Azusa Comments: Chief of Police Davis comments Superintendent of the Azusa Unified School District, Rod Gaeta, advised what employees of R. Gaeta, Super- AUSD are doing to address hate problems; they have a Hate and Zero policy and have had intendent AUSD several training programs within the schools. He stated "we are here ready to join with the comments churches, City and community, and residents, in doing anything we can to combat this type of hate crimes". Ms. Lisa Harrington, President of the Azusa School Board, advised that "the Board is L. Harrington committed to holding the district accountable to make sure this doesn't go on any longer" Azusa Sch Brd and "we are here for you". City Clerk Vera Mendoza stated "it hurts to read in the paper about our community; the V. Mendoza, community where we have raised our children and our children's children are being raised, City Clerk there are families out there that really care and want to know what can they do to help". " comments Leadership has to start with mothers and dads". City Treasurer Uriel Macias stated "this is a terrible black eye on our city, we're not the city of U. Macias racists as we are negatively portrayed by the media, but a city of hard working families". "Lets City Treasurer not start pointing fingers, but, put efforts behind our Police Chief and Council". comments �r. Cliff Hamlow, speaking on behalf of Jon Wallace, of the Azusa Pacific University, addressed C. Hamlow ouncil and audience stating that "what has happened is not representative of this City". "This APU has always been a safe community". "It's up to the citizens to make It stop". "we need to comments be united and celebrate diversity". Reverend Rick MacDonald addressed Council and audience stating that "the churches of this R. Mac Donald community are committed to help in any way they can". comments Pastor Westbrooks of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, stated that he has counseled Pastor with the families that were attacked and that with all the trouble and turmoil in the world today Westbrooks it is the reason to go to God. He appealed to the citizens of the City to come together. Faith Temple 12/17//01 PAGE TWO President of Chamber of Commerce Sid Udashkin and Executive Director Tina Firestone, Chamber of addressed the issue and "pledged to do whatever they can do to help the rest of the City". Commerce Mr. Paul Naccacian, representing the Azusa Downtown Business Association, addressed the P. Naccacian issue stating that what has happened is not representative of what happens in Azusa. "We rep. DABA will not tolerate in destructive or hateful behavior, we are hereto join in the collaborative effort comments to bring peace to the City". Mr. Mark Ades of the Azusa Cultural and Historical Landmark Commission, Human Relations Task Force, and Human Relations Mutual Assistance Counsel, addressed Council stating that what happened on December 5th is not reflective of what Azusa is about. "We are a diverse lgroup of people". "it is solvable if we all work together". He announced that the Candelight Vigil will be held on December 21, 2001, and that it is sponsored by LA County Human Relations Mutual Assistance Consortium, and co-sponsored by the Azusa City Council, Assemblyman Ed Chavez, Congresswoman Hilda Solis, State Senator Gloria Romero, the NAACP and many other civic organizations with the City, will be held at 7 pm in front of the City Hall courtyard. City Manager Cole advised that he will be bringing Human Relations Commission nominations to the next Council meeting for consideration and an Item regarding the hiring of contract staff to support its workplan activities. He asked Council to ratify the $25,000 reward offered by the City for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the December 5`h arson attacks. He asked for support of the Candlelight Vigil to be organized by the County Human Relations Commission for Friday, December 21" and asked them to co- sponsor with a broad coalition of community groups and institutions a rally on Martin Luther Kings' birthday on January 21 ". M. Ades comments City Mgr comments Moved by Councilmember Stanford, seconded by Councilmember Rocha and unanimously* Staff's Rec carried to approved all of staffs recommendations as noted above. approved. City Manager Cole advised that the School District and the City are working diligently on support for application to the State for funding of the Library. At this point there is a need for additional research for the "Library Joint Use Program" by the City of Azusa and the Azusa Unified School District. There was no action taken. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Ms. Julia Miele, Community Services Director for the East San Gabriel Valley Unit of the American Cancer Society, addressed Council to recruit members to participate in the 2002 Relay For Life, which is a twenty-four hour walk that raises funds for cancer awareness, prevention, services and education and honors cancer survivors. The Relay For Life will be held at Azusa Pacific University on June 15th and 16'h, 2002. She left forms for sign up with the City Clerk's Office. City Mgr comments Pub Part J. Miele American Cancer Society Relay for Life Ms. Marianne Miasnik addressed Council in opposition to the recommendation for the M. Miasnik selection of Monrovia Nursery Design Team; EDAW and Torti-Gallas. She summarized her comments concerns and suggested that Council consider rejecting staff recommendation for a dual design team and as an alternative consider awarding the contract solely to the EDAW design team. REPORTS. UPDATES COUNCIL BUSINESS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS -STAFF Councilmember Stanford expressed his appreciation to City Manager Rick Cole for all his work on the hate crime problem. He re -announced the birth of Brian Patrick Chagnon, born on Friday, December 14, 2001, at 2:57 p.m. at 7lbs 13 oz., 21 inches, stating that he made history by being the first child born to a sitting Council woman in 100 years. Iouncilmember Hardison wished all a Merry Christmas, congratulated Diane & Keith Chagnon n the birth of her son. Councilmember Rocha also expressed congratulations to Diane &Keith Chagnon. He thanked all who participated and volunteered in the food bank food collection and wished all a Merry Christmas. He thanked Alice Manners and Evelyn Gardedo for stocking the kitchen at APU. He asked that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Augustine Ramirez, a lifelong resident of Azusa, who recently passed away. 12/17/01 PAGE THREE Updates/Cncl Stanford comments Hardison comments Rocha comments Mayor Madrid announced that the City is a part of an organization entitled Americans Madrid Supporting Americans, and have adopted a Marine Battalion at Twenty -Nine Palms and comments advised that the community is invited to send them Christmas Cards from Azusa as they may ship out very soon. She then wished all happy holidays. SCHEDULED ITEMS Assistant City Manager Person and Ms. Mary Engle from the Conservancy addressed Council providing comments regarding the Open Space Plan. ,Mayor Madrid offered a Resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE SAN GABRIEL AND LOW LOS ANGELES PARKWAY AND OPEN SPACE PLAN. Moved by Mayor Madrid, seconded by Councilmember Hardison to waive further reading and adopt. Resolution passed and adopted by the following vote of the Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: HARDISON, STANFORD, ROCHA, MADRID NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CHAGNON Director of Water Operations Chet Anderson addressed Council with the following comments: "For nearly 20 years, the operation of the Rincon Off Highway Vehicle area has been allowed by the Forest Plan for the Angeles Forest. The off-road vehicles allowed by the current Forest Plan operate around and in the San Gabriel River, an important source of water for the San Gabriel Valley. These off-road vehicles carry with them the potential for contaminating the water in the River with gasoline, oil and gas additives. Even though no major problems have occurred in the last 20 years, when a problem does occur, it will be too late to undo the damage. That is why the potential problem should be eliminated before it occurs. The off- roaders claim that they take all necessary precautions; that they clean. up all spills, and minimize harm to the water by staying out of it. When gas and oil are spilled, how much goes ,into the mud and water before it is cleaned up? The off-roaders are not hazardous material managers and cannot be expected to know how to do a proper cleanup. They admit that spills do occur; what they, and we, don't' know is what the cumulative effects of those spills will be. And when a major problem does occur, will the off-roaders or Forest Service fund the cleanup or will the water consumers of the San Gabriel Valley be expected to clean up another mess? This proceeding is not about issuing or revoking the permit for the OHV area. That responsibility belongs to the US Forest Service. What tonight's proceeding is about is to send a comment to the Forest Service to consider the water needs of the population served by the River and not risk that supply by continuing to permit off-road vehicles in the River. Scheduled Item Ass't City Mgr & M. Engle comments Resolution No. 01-C141 Open Space Plan C. Anderson Dir Water Operations Light and Water Mr. Tim Schudar to address Council in opposition to the off-road vehicles in and around the T. Schudar San Gabriel River. He presented numerous newspaper articles and stated at five gallons of comments water will contaminate one hundred million gallons of drinking water. He stressed the hazards of driving and dumping gasoline in our drinking water and relayed conversations he had with members of the environmental protection agency. Mr. Mike Bishop representing Azusa Canyon OHV, addressed the issue stating that many M. Bishop other people utilize the canyon area/river could also be responsible for dropping oil/gas comments contamination. He stated that their organization conducts water quality survey and found no contaminants found in the water. Further, he stated that stolen and theft vehicles, abandoned in that area also cause oil and gas to be in the water. He advised that they do their own clean ups. He asked Council to have forest service monitor the area, but not stop them from using the area for off-road vehicles. Ilr. Ron Legault addressed Council stating that Jesus is the answer to the problem of racism. R. Legault e voiced his opinion in favor of the off-roaders in the canyon area. comments Ms. Ginger Hughes of California Association of 4 -Wheel Drive Clubs, addressed the issue G. Hughes stating that when writing to Forest Service consideration should be given that oils from the comments body are harder to get rid of than oils from vehicles so the recommendation should be no swimming, etc. in the canyon area. Mr. Don Berry of the San Gabriel River Water Committee also known as the Committee of D. Berry Nine, addressed the issue stating that the river is a valuable natural resource, that water is San Gabriel scarce so there Is a need to take care of the water, that this is an Improper use of the area. River Water Committee 12/17/01 PAGE FOUR After additional comments, it was moved by Councilmember Hardison, seconded by Ltr to USDA Councilmember Stanford and unanimously carried* to approve and sign the letter to USDA Forest Service Forest Service requesting that the Forest Plan Update include the discontinuance of the approved currently permitted use of the San Gabriel River floodplain for recreational off-highway vehicle operation. Councilmember Rocha offered a Resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, APPROVING Resolution No. APPROPRIATION AMENDMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002 PURSUANT TO SECTION 2- 01-C142. 450 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE. 'Moved by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Hardison to waive further reading and adopt. Resolution passed and adopted by the following vote of the Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: HARDISON, STANFORD, ROCHA, MADRID NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CHAGNON The CONSENT CALENDAR consisting of Items VI -A through VI -J, was approved by motion of Consent Cal. Councilmember Stanford, seconded by Councilmember Hardison and unanimously carried with VI -A - VI -J the exception of items VI -1, which was considered under the Special Call portion of the VI -I Spec Call Agenda. A. The Minutes of the regular meeting of December 3, 2001, were approved as written. Min approved B. Bid opening was held in the office of the City Clerk on November 27, 2001 for the Street Sweep contract for Street Sweeping Service. Four bids were received. The contract was Service awarded to Athens Services in an amount not to exceed $122,983.20 and approval was Athens Services given to amend the Public Works Department Operating Budget in an equal amount to fund the project. 'C. The City Treasurer's Report as of October, 2001, was received and filed. Treas Rpt D. Human Resources Action Items were approved as follows: Human Res New Appointments: E. Street, Police Lieutenant and A. Cadena, Police Dispatcher. Action Items E. Specifications for the construction of a 16,000 square foot Skate Park at Memorial Park Specs Skate were approved and the City Clerk was authorized to advertise for bids. Park F. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA AUTHORIZING THE Res. 01-C143. DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN RECORDS IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK. (Brief Destruction of description of records are miscellaneous election items and statement of economic Rcds City Clrk interests dating 1970-1994.) G. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA APPROVING DEBT Res. 01-C144 POLICY AND PROCEDURES. Debt Policy H. A request for continuance of Paid Leave During Industrial Leave for an employee in Request for accordance with Civil Service Rule 6.6 Workers' Compensation and Section 16.3 of the Continuance of Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Azusa and the Azusa City Industrial Leave Employees' Association (ACEA), was granted. granted SPECIAL CALL ITEM. The following Resolution was adopted and entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA ALLOWING CERTAIN Res. 01-C145 CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE Warrants TO BE PAID. SPECIAL CALL ITEMS Spec Call Items City Manager Cole responded to concerns of Ms. Marianne Miasnik. He stated that in order Planning & to have a team that will represent all the disciplines and the skills to bring forward a plan that Design Team would have consensus, a combination would work towards the strength of both. General Plan Monrovia 12/17/01 PAGE FIVE Nursery Spec Call After response to additional questions by Councilmembers regarding including the AUSD as EDAW & Torti- part of the design team and the internal/public design session, it was moved by Mayor Madrid, Gallas approved seconded by Councilmember Hardison and unanimously carried* to select the team of EDAW Monrovia and Torti-Gallas to undertake the Monrovia Nursery planning and design effort for inclusion in Nursery General the General Plan, and approve amendment of their respective existing contracts to incorporate Plan the new scopes of work and new budgets as presented in the staff report. THE CITY COUNCIL RECESSED AND THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CONVENED AT 9:14 Convene CRA P.M. THE CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED AT 9:15 P.M. Cncl reconvene THE CITY COUNCIL RECESSED AND THE AZUSA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY Convene APFA CONVENED AT 9:16 P.M. THE CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED AT 9:16 P.M. Cncl reconvene ORDINANCES/SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS Councilmember Rocha offered a Resolution entitled: Ord/Spec Resos AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING 1" Rdg Ord SECTION 2-296 OF CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE IV, DIVISION I OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE Agmts REGARDING AGREEMENTS NEGOTIATED BYTHE DIRECTOR OF UTILITIES AND EXECUTED BY Negotiate by THE CITY MANAGER. Utilities Dir Moved by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Stanford and unanimously* carried to waive further reading and introduce the proposed Ordinance. Mayor Pro -Tem Chagnon absent. City Manager Cole reminded all that the City will be on holiday schedule for the next two weeks. 'It was consensus of Councilmembers to adjourn in memory of Augustine Ramirez. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:17 P.M. CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2002-C1. NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2002-01. IIndicates Mayor Pro -Tem Chagnon absent. 12/17/01 PAGE SIX City Mgr comments Adjourn in memory Augustine Ramirez